What’s Left Without the Job Title? How to Define Your Personal Brand
In the last post, we talked about the importance of separating your identity from the company you work for. And if that hit home, you might be wondering—okay, then what is my brand, really?
Let’s start with this:
Your personal brand isn’t your job title.
It’s not the company logo on your LinkedIn profile.
It’s not your bio line or your org chart placement.
Your personal brand is the reputation you carry with you—regardless of where you work.
It’s how people describe you when you’re not in the room.
It’s what others say they can always count on you for.
It’s the consistency in how you lead, how you communicate, how you solve problems, and how you treat people.
And here’s the part a lot of people overlook:
Your brand already exists. Whether you’ve been intentional about shaping it or not, you’ve already built a reputation. Now it’s time to take ownership of it.
So how do you start defining your personal brand? Start by asking yourself a few key questions:
What’s the common feedback I get from people I’ve worked with?
When people come to me for help, what are they usually asking for?
What do I bring to a team that’s hard to replace?
What’s my communication style, and how does it make people feel?
How do I show up under pressure?
Let me give you a few examples:
Maybe you’re the calm in the chaos. The person who brings clarity when everything feels messy.
Maybe you’re the problem-solver who doesn’t just point out issues—but brings solutions.
Maybe you’re known for asking thoughtful questions, mentoring junior talent, or simplifying complex ideas so the whole team can move forward.
That is your brand.
It’s not just what you do—it’s how you do it, and how people experience working with you.
For me personally, I want to be known for making complex topics digestible. For giving people clarity and perspective. For being rooted in substance, not just sound bites. I want people to leave a conversation with me feeling like they got something they can actually use.
So, let me turn that question back to you:
What do you want to be known for—regardless of where you work?
Because when your brand is clear, consistent, and yours, it goes with you wherever you go.
This is part 2 of a 5-part blog series based on Tip #57 from Career Gymnastics.
Next up, we’ll talk about what it really means to stay loyal to your own growth—and how to start investing in yourself the way you show up for your employer.
And if you haven’t already, grab your copy of Career Gymnastics—this tip is just the beginning of what’s inside.
#CareerGymnastics #PersonalBrand #OwnYourNarrative #LeadershipIdentity #BeyondTheJobTitle